I have just seen the most ridiculous advert in a newspaper for a long time:
Thinking about a Florida Vacation?
Please Ensure Your Family is Safe
A new law in the Sunshine State may encourage Floridians to "shoot first" when they feel threatened.
In Florida, avoid disputes that could escalate into violence. Use special caution in arguing with motorists on Florida roads.
Police and prosecuters are concerned about the potential for uneccessary violence.
The advert is supported by the Brady Campaign "To Prevent Gun Violence" and has a link to www.shootfirstlaw.org.
There are three things that strike me about this ad: firstly, that residents are being encouraged to "shoot first" rather than sit down and discuss whatever is on their tits; secondly, that roads are the most dangerous place to argue with a "Floridian" (and accordingly to the website, eventually all Americans); and finally, that the whole campaign seems to be supported by an anti-gun group!
I can see the idea behind the campaign but I feel that this particular advert is going about it the wrong way. The details outlines in this PDF download make much more sense and are much more subtle. It does however, make you wonder why is this particular law being changed anyway, allowing the "threat to be eliminated" without (m)any repercussions.
